In perfecting the newly developing form of the Italian solo concerto, Vivaldi wrote nearly five hundred concertos, of which 39 are for bassoon with strings and continuo. In these, Vivaldi exploits the full expressive and tonal range of the solo instrument, often making considerable demands on the soloist's virtuosity to thrilling effect. Acclaimed as a splendid advocate of these graceful and imaginative works, bassoonist Tamas Benkocs is also featured on Volumes 1 to 4 (Naxos 8555937, 8555938, 8557556 & 8557829).